API Welcomes BLM Decision to Reconsider Hydraulic Fracturing Rules (USA)

API President and CEO Jack Gerard welcomed the Bureau of Land Management decision to take proposed federal hydraulic fracturing regulations back to the drawing board.

“API asked the administration to reconsider the rules, and we welcome this move as a positive first step.” said Gerard. “However, the real test will be in the substance of the re-proposal. We hope the administration will recognize the strong oversight provided by existing state and federal regulations and take sufficient time to review the many thoughtful comments provided by the oil and natural gas industry and others. Effective regulation of hydraulic fracturing already exists in the states. Conflicting or duplicative federal requirements would delay development of abundant domestic oil and natural gas and threaten jobs and revenue to the federal treasury, without providing additional environmental protection.”

API formally commented to the BLM on the proposed regulations in June of 2012 and requested extensive changes to make the final rule workable.

“The shale energy revolution is reshaping America’s energy future,” added Gerard. “We need to be smart about regulating it. Any federal rules must recognize the states’ leadership in this area and coordinate with existing state requirements, as well as have a better technical foundation, and be cost-effective.”

Acknowledging the states existing authority of shale energy development, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has said “you can’t start to talk about a federal role without acknowledging the very strong state role.”

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LNG World News Staff, January 21, 2013